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maregred's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Death, Death of parent, Gun violence, War, Sexual content, Dementia, Injury/Injury detail, Emotional abuse, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Blood, Alcohol, Animal death, Addiction, Grief, Drug abuse, and Drug use
Minor: Sexism, Homophobia, Racism, and Xenophobia
just_one_more_paige's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Graphic: Blood, Violence, War, Gun violence, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Addiction, Colonisation, Drug use, and Xenophobia
Minor: Kidnapping
theespressoedition's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
There is a lot to follow in this book and I worried about losing track of the many characters or their importance to the story. Sometimes, there are full chapters that are told from the perspective of a side character. Initially, I was confused by this. Why would there be a heavy focus on such random, seemingly unimportant people? But I'm glad I didn't give up on trying to understand what was happening. Every single chapter makes a difference. Every single character furthers the story, no matter how small their role is.
I'm currently under the assumption that the only reason I don't fully understand the jade magic is because this was only the first book and it's meant to come into play later on. However, I would have liked just a little more explanation of that and even the way the shine drug affected those who used it. There were moments that helped me understand bits and pieces, but certain deaths left me reeling because I had no clue what the true cause was.
The political intrigue was what, shockingly, kept my attention the most. I was fascinated by the gang war and what was happening on either side to induce further violence and panic. The ranks of the Green Bones was also really interesting to me and the almost "heirarchy" within each group was equally intriguing. I even enjoyed the chapters with the lore behind the Green Bones and why certain people fell into certain roles - even down to how they approached death or destruction.
While I definitely believe this is the kind of book to read only when you're in the mood for a "thinker," I highly recommend it. I greatly look forward to seeing what comes next!
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Medical trauma, Torture, Addiction, Blood, Drug abuse, Alcohol, Cursing, Death, Murder, Physical abuse, Violence, Death of parent, and Gun violence
Moderate: Racial slurs, Gore, Sexual assault, Sexual content, War, Grief, Kidnapping, Suicide, and Fire/Fire injury
griffinthief's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Self harm, Injury/Injury detail, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Blood, Death, Emotional abuse, Grief, Murder, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Violence, Xenophobia, Addiction, Gun violence, and Mental illness
Minor: Pedophilia, Infidelity, and Kidnapping
alouette's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
also, i can't forget to mention that the action sequences were thrilling, keeping the book fast-paced, and the descriptions of the magic system were breathtaking. though i'll definitely need a break before diving into book 2, i'm excited to see where this high fantasy goes next.
Graphic: Addiction, Alcohol, Blood, Death, Death of parent, Dementia, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Medical content, Murder, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, and Violence
Moderate: Animal death, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Kidnapping, and Misogyny
rorikae's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The story focuses on the Kaul family who lead one of the clans that are vying for control of the capital city in Kekon. The three Kaul siblings, Lan, Shae, and Hilo, are dealing with the complexities of life in the clan, an ailing grandfather, and the prospects of a new drug that allows anyone to wield jade.
Lee has created an engaging world full of complex characters. The pairing of a simple but really well thought out fantasy element in jade's powers to enhance abilities with the political machinations of warring families creates a world that I cannot wait to return to. By focusing on the three Kaul siblings, Lee gives the reader a peek into different parts of the clan but also different views on jade. Lan is the reluctant leader, Hilo the determined and sometimes rash Horn, and Shae is returning from time abroad and without jade. These characters are complex and though not always lovable, I found that I cared deeply for each of them.
The plotting is exceptionally paced. Lee weaves together more action heavy moments of conflict with the plotting and political decisions that are going on in the background. These pieces fit together to create a plot that is constantly moving forward but also feels easy to follow.
I cannot wait to read Jade War though I think I will wait some time so that I read it closer to the release of Jade Legacy. If you are looking for an exceptional urban fantasy series with a complex plot, you really must read Jade City.
Graphic: Blood, Death, Gore, Sexual content, and Violence
Moderate: Dementia, Drug use, and Emotional abuse
victorianrogue's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Blood, Death, Murder, Physical abuse, Torture, and Violence
Moderate: Addiction, Animal death, Death of parent, Dementia, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Grief, Gun violence, Kidnapping, Sexual content, and Xenophobia
Minor: Bullying, Homophobia, Racism, Rape, and Stalking